Press releases

Edina Paramedic/Firefighter honored with Liberty Mutual ‘Firemark Award’

Edina, Minn., July 22, 2010 – Edina Paramedic/Firefighter Brian Hanrahan was presented the Liberty Mutual Firemark Award at the July 20 meeting of the Edina City Council. The national award is given to firefighters who best represent their communities through courageous valor and who best demonstrate a selfless spirit.

In April, Hanrahan was off duty when he heard his emergency pager indicate that an 84-year-old neighbor had taken a fall. Hanrahan went on foot to the home a few blocks away, and found that the man had gone into cardiac arrest and was not breathing. He began CPR within one minute of the initial 9-1-1 call, and immediately noticed color returning to the man’s face. Once an ambulance crew arrived, the unconscious man was shocked with a defibrillator, restoring his heart rhythm. The man was brought to the emergency room and was conscious and speaking within 25 minutes.

“We are very proud of Brian and his work,” said Edina Fire Chief Marty Scheerer, who presented the award with Adam Weinblatt of Liberty Mutual. “Brian’s quick response gave this man a significantly better chance of survival.”

Liberty Mutual established the Firemark Award 20 years ago. It takes its name from the firemark – a leaden plate of a phoenix rising from the ashes. The firemark was used by American fire offices in the 18th and 19th centuries to mark insured houses.

For more information, visit www.CityofEdina.com/Fire or call the Edina Fire Department at 952-826-0330.